- Abarth won’t back down on its decision to go EV-only in the European market.
- The brand’s European boss hinted at a larger Fiat-based electric SUV offering.
- The 500 Ibrida that has been confirmed for 2026, won’t get an Abarth version.
The electric vehicle revolution may have hit a speed bump recently, with many automakers cautiously tapping the brakes on their EV-only ambitions. But Abarth? The Scorpion brand is doubling down and has shown no signs of backpedaling. With the aging 595/695 range now retired, Abarth has said goodbye to internal combustion engines in Europe altogether—and hybrids didn’t even make the invite list.
While South America still enjoys hot ICE-powered Abarth versions of Fiat’s Pulse and Fastback crossovers, the European lineup is a different story, consisting exclusively of the electric 500e and 600e. Gaetano Thorel, head of Fiat and Abarth in Europe, has ruled out any combustion-powered comeback, citing strict emissions regulations and their associated costs in the region.
More: Fiat 600e Gets An Abarth Evil Twin With Up To 278 HP
“If you make a combustion sports hatch that emits 180g/km and you are in Italy, you have to pay between €1000 and €2000 road tax every year,” Thorel told Autocar. “Is it fair when I can give customers an electric sport hatch that behaves in the same way, has the same level of enjoyment and equivalent performance? All at the same price? I think it’s better to offer electric cars.”
What About Hybrids?
For those hoping the 2026 Fiat 500 Ibrida might spawn an Abarth version, think again. Thorel swiftly quashed that idea, stating that its mild-hybrid powertrain simply doesn’t pack enough punch to deserve the Scorpion emblem
“We need to stay true to the Abarth DNA, and the engine that goes in the new 500 is a micro-hybrid that does not allow you to extract the power to make a real Abarth, so it wouldn’t be possible.”
Sticking to Its Tuning Roots
Does this mean that Abarth will limit itself to the 500e and 600e? It’s European boss doesn’t think so: “To me, Abarth can be developed on anything as long as it has Abarth DNA. I personally don’t see a limit on Abarth cars just being A-segment or B-segment hatchbacks. If the SUV is possible, then why not?”
Fiat’s Panda-themed concepts from early 2024 hinted at a larger electric SUV set for release in 2027. This model could provide the perfect foundation for an Abarth-branded SUV, giving the Scorpion badge an opportunity to expand into entirely new segments.
However, despite plans for a wider range, Thorel made it clear that Abarth won’t pursue the development of bespoke models, at least for the foreseeable future: “Carlo Abarth never made a car from scratch. Abarth DNA is to take a conventional car and stretch its performance through engine, dynamics and sound, in order to make it sporty and accessible. We want to remain true to this DNA, so we will not launch a bespoke Abarth for the time being.”
This means Abarth will continue to produce spiffed-up versions of Fiat models, distinguishing itself from rivals like Alpine, which gets to create standalone cars alongside tuning Renaults.
